About probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria) that give a health benefit when eaten.

Many people use probiotics in their daily lives to improve their health and wellbeing.  For example they may eat live yoghurt or consume special drinks which contain helpful bacteria.

These products cannot be given to preterm babies, but there is evidence that specific bacteria, given under carefully controlled conditions, can be beneficial. 

We give them to babies orally (by mouth) either directly or through the use of a gastric tube.

These specific bacteria may protect preterm babies from blood stream infections (late onset sepsis).  They can also prevent preterm babies from developing a condition called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).  NEC mostly occurs in preterm or small babies.  It is a serious and sometimes life threatening condition that can affect their intestines (gut).

Which babies are eligible for probiotics

We offer probiotics to:

  • All babies who are less than 32 weeks gestation (period between conception and birth).
  • All babies who weigh less than 1500g at birth.

Probiotics are given until the baby reaches around 34 weeks corrected gestational age.

Will I have to give permission for this treatment?

Use of probiotics is a routine treatment on the neonatal unit.  We do not ask for formal consent from parents, but we aim to keep parents fully updated about all treatments administered to their infants. 

We will inform you verbally about this treatment and other medications that we give to your baby.

Risks and side effects

Studies of more than 10,000 preterm babies show that probiotics can help prevent NEC and improve a preterm baby’s chances of survival.

These studies report no serious side effects of probiotics. There is a small risk that babies may develop an infection from the bacteria given in the probiotic, but this is rare. If your baby does develop an infection, we will treat them with antibiotics.

If your baby does not have probiotics

If we do not give your baby probiotics, they may be at increased risk of developing NEC, compared to a baby of similar size or gestation who does receive probiotics.

However, most premature babies do not get NEC even if they are not given probiotics.  Also, giving probiotics will not prevent all cases of NEC.

Choosing for your baby not to have probiotics

You can choose for your baby not to have treatment. Discuss your choice with the doctor and nurse looking after your baby.

When probiotic treatment starts

Probiotic treatment usually begins within the first 24 hours of life, as soon as your baby is started on small amounts of milk.

If milk feeds need to be stopped for any reason, we also temporarily stop giving your baby probiotics.

Contact information

If you have any questions, speak to the nurse or doctor looking after your baby

Kingston Hospital Neonatal Unit

Telephone:

Kingston Hospital Neonatal Unit: 020 8934 2024